Starting in Fall 2026, all ODUGlobal undergraduate, masters and certificate courses will follow an 8-week, asynchronous format. This new model is part of Old Dominion University’s commitment to making education more flexible, responsive, and aligned with your life.
Courses will be offered in six 8-week terms each year: two in fall, two in spring, and two in summer, which allows you to focus on fewer subjects at a time while still progressing toward your goals year-round. Many students find this immersive format supports deeper learning and faster momentum.
There are no required live class meetings. You’ll engage with content and complete assignments on your schedule, wherever you are. Faculty may offer optional live sessions to connect, ask questions or dive deeper, but the core experience is fully online and on your time.
This model gives you more control over your academic journey. Whether you’re balancing work, family or military service, shorter terms and flexible access make it easier to start strong and keep going. You’ll also have more entry points throughout the year to begin, or begin again.
Your success is our top priority. From your first course to graduation, you’ll have access to ODUGlobal’s support network: comprehensive services dedicated to helping you thrive academically, personally, and professionally in our accelerated 8-week format.
Your academic advisor is your success coach—partnering with you to build a balanced schedule that fits your life.
Advisors will work closely with you to ensure course loads are manageable, help you stay on track towards your goals, and provide support throughout your academic journey. They will check in regularly throughout your program to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.
Brainfuse Tutoring Services, including a Writing Lab, are available 24/7 online at no cost.
Faculty offer office hours to answer one-on-one questions and provide learning strategies specific to their courses. They can also issue alerts for students who need additional support, so you’re quickly connected with advisors and resources for assistance.
Launching Spring 2026: a self-paced free Time Management Course designed for online students in accelerated programs. Learn practical strategies for organizing your schedule, meeting deadlines, and thriving in a fast-paced learning environment.
Counseling, educational accessibility, and other student services are available to support your well-being.
Need help now? Email globaladvocacy@odu.edu and they will help you navigate your roadblock and connect you with appropriate resources.
Our online courses support your success and access through:
Your ideal course load depends on your personal, work, and family commitments. Many students find that taking 1–3 courses per 8-week session provides a good balance between progress and manageability. If you plan to enroll full time (12 credits per semester), a common approach is to take two courses in the first 8-week session and two in the second 8-week session. Your academic advisor can help you determine a course schedule that fits your lifestyle and keeps you on track toward your degree.
There are no required live meetings. Some instructors may offer optional live sessions (e.g., office hours, reviews).
Yes—many students do. The key is a balanced plan. Your advisor will help you select the right course load and apply time-management strategies.
No. ODU credentials remain the same. Course quality and academic rigor are equivalent to traditional timelines.
Eligibility is determined by your overall enrollment across the semester, not by the length of each 8-week term. Aid and benefits are applied across both sessions within a semester. Your enrollment coordinator and our financial aid team will help you understand your details.
A small number of courses may follow a different timeline to meet external requirements. Reach out to your advisor or program director for specifics to determine if an exception applies.
Reach out right away. You’ll have access to 24/7 tutoring, faculty office hours, globaladvocacy@odu.edu, and advisors who can problem-solve quickly.
Courses are designed to be accessible from the start. For formal accommodations, submit a request with documentation to the Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA).
Yes. With two sessions per semester (including summer), you’ll have more opportunities to start or continue without losing momentum.
Courses use a mix of asynchronous activities—discussions, projects, quizzes, reflections—plus clear milestones and feedback cycles. Some courses may use proctored exams or authentic assessments aligned to outcomes.
Absolutely. Expect weekly modules, milestone calendars, timely faculty feedback, and proactive outreach if you start to slip.
Your advisor can help you map out a personalized plan—including course load, start dates, and graduation timeline.
